NM man sentenced to seven years

PORTALES, N.M.  Joaquin Cruz, 25, of Espanola, N.M., pleaded guilty to several charges pertaining to a March 21 incident in Portales, N.M.

Judge Stephen K. Quinn sentenced Cruz to seven years in prison, according to a news release from Ninth Judicial District Attorney Brett J. Carter.

Cruz pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, resisting arrest, evading arrest, obstructing an officer, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

The charges stem from a police chase during which Cruz was driving a stolen pickup and twice rammed an officer's patrol car.

The officer was treated at an area hospital and released.

Cruz will be required to serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for parole because aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer is considered a serious violent offense, according to the release.

The judge also ordered Cruz to pay restitution to the city of Portales for the damage to the patrol car, the officer's uniforms and medical expenses and damage to the pickup.